Looking for the best things to do in Malaga, Spain? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have outlined all of the best things to do in Malaga in Andalusia, Spain, as well as useful tips to make the most of your trip, like where to stay in Malaga, how to get around the city, the best tours and more.
I’ve visited Malaga twice and loved it both times. It’s a vibrant coastal city, with a great blend between culture, history, nightlife and beach life. It’s the sort of city where you can do a bit of everything.
Whether you want to explore Spain’s Arabic heritage, or admire the artworks of Picasso, or even just chill in the sun while eating paella and drinking sangria, in Malaga you can do all that and more.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning your perfect trip to Malaga!
Table of Contents
Essentials to book before you read on!
Best tours in Malaga
Walking tour of the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre & Malaga Cathedral
Day trip to Granada & the Alhambra from Malaga!
Best hotels in Malaga
Budget: Hotel Don Curro
Mid-range: Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
Luxury: Molina Lario
Get 5% off your travel insurance here!
Best things to do in Malaga
Visit the Alcazaba
When you’re sightseeing in Malaga, hit up this historic hotspot. The sprawling hilltop fortress-palace complex dates back to the 11th century, when it was built during the Arab rule of the region.
This is actually one of the oldest portions of the city, with remains of Phoenician and Roman constructions being found on the site. Today the complex can be visited for only 3.50 EUR, with multiple towers to explore.
It’s an enchanting place to begin your trip to Malaga. Opening times are 9AM to 5PM (longer in the summer months). If you want to avoid the queues, you can book a guided tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre together.
Click here to book your tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre in Malaga!
Admire the Roman Theatre
For history fans, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Malaga. Spain has a surprising amount of Roman ruins, and Malaga is no different.
Discovered in the 1950s, Malaga’s Roman Theatre was constructed in the 1st century BC under the reign of Emperor Augustus.
During the Arab rule, marble and other building materials were quarried from the Roman Theatre in order to construct the Alcazaba. It soon became forgotten.
Today it’s open to the public once again, with performances occasionally taking place there in the summer months. It’s free to visit, so head to the visitor centre to get started (opening hours are 10AM to 6PM).
Even if entrance is free, it’s still a good idea to book a guided tour, so that you can have a knowledgeable local guide with you to tell you about the history of the places you’re visiting.
Click here to book your Roman Theatre guided tour in Malaga!
See the views from Castillo de Gibralfaro
This spot is what to see in Malaga if you’re looking for good views.
The Castillo de Gibralfaro points back to the city’s past as a Moorish settlement, first being constructed in the 8th century under Umayyad rule with later additions in the 14th century.
Although not much remains in terms of the interiors, walking along the ramparts and soaking up the view is well worth the effort. The vista is basically the star of the show!
There’s also a small military museum here with some interesting artefacts and models on display. Entry is 3.50 EUR and it’s open from 9AM to 5:15PM.
Eat at Mercado Central
If you consider yourself a foodie, or even if you don’t, going to grab a tasty bite to eat at the Mercado Central is one of the coolest things to do in Malaga.
Taking up space in what was originally a shipyard, and then a military barracks, the market moved here in the 19th century.
Today it’s home to not only fresh produce but places to eat and drink, too. Head to somewhere like Bar Atarazanas for servings of freshly prepared seafood dishes, or just grab yourself a picnic of cheese, olives and cured meats to eat later.
Visit the Cathedral of Malaga (Catedral de la Encarnación de Malaga)
Construction first started on this beautiful building in 1528, but it wasn’t completed until 1782.
You can see why: it’s a lavishly decorated religious structure, with an ornate Baroque-style facade marked with marble columns, carved stone and archways.
Inside, its Renaissance-style interiors are filled with religious artwork and gleaming golden altars.
The 8 EUR admission is worth it for this alone, but there’s also the bonus of being able to head up to the roof for spectacular views (opening times are 10AM to 6:30PM).
If you want to visit the Cathedral of Malaga with a guide, you can join a tour like this one, which includes also stops at the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre.
Click here to book your walking tour of Malaga, including the Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre!
See the beautiful art at the Picasso Museum
Another Malaga must do. This museum pays tribute to Malaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso. The artist was born in the city in 1881 (his birthplace is also a museum), and this particular museum is a showcase of a wide selection of his works.
Set inside the 16th-century Buenavista Palace, the Picasso Museum opened its doors in 2003. Learn about his art, his life and his legacy here. It’s open from 10AM to 6PM, and the entrance fee is 12 EUR.
I highly recommend purchasing your entrance ticket to the Picasso Museum online beforehand, so that you can skip the queue and are guaranteed entry in high season. We were there in October and were surprised by the huge queue!
Click here to book your entrance ticket to the Picasso Museum in Malaga!
Join a tapas tour
One of the must-do things in Malaga is to join a tapas tour. The city is well known for its tapas, which can be sampled at countless restaurants and bars.
Some of the most famous places for tapas in Malaga are Meson Mariano, La Farola de Orella (circa 1938) and the family-run Meson Antonio.
But you may want to consider hopping on a tapas tour, which will see you being whisked around the city’s top tapas spots and lesser-known gems with a guide.
Click here to book your tapas tour in Malaga!
Explore the old town centre
The old town centre of Malaga is filled with historic buildings and boasts picturesque streets to wander. Taking a stroll around this pleasant part of town offers the chance to see local life in its bars and restaurants.
Start with an amble along Calle Larios, which is the main pedestrianised street in the old town. All the other smaller lanes and alleyways lead from this main street.
It’s a great place to go shopping for souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or even pick up a new outfit. Another must-do in Malaga.
Relax on the beach
When you’re wondering what there is to do in Malaga besides the history, the good food and the art and architecture, head to the beach. There’s a number of different beaches to choose from, both in the town proper and in nearby towns.
Malaga’s main beach is Playa de la Malagueta. With easy access from the centre of town, the sandy spot is super popular with locals and visitors alike.
The sand runs for a few kilometres and is edged by eateries, cafes and bars. Next door is La Caleta, another busy urban beach. On either, it’s easy to rent a sun lounger and umbrella for the day.
There are smaller beaches too, like Banos del Carmen (popular for fishing) and the family-friendly Las Acacias.
They might not be as beautiful as the picturesque Cala del Moro in Mallorca, or as dramatic as the volcanic beaches in Tenerife, but the beaches in Malaga are still very pretty.
Go on a day trip to Granada & the Alhambra
For more attractions near Malaga that allow you to get a better understanding of the region’s Islamic past, look no further than Granada. The city is famed for the sprawling palace complex of Alhambra.
Doing a day trip to Granada from Malaga is one of the most popular day trips from Malaga. After all, the Alhambra is the most visited sight in Spain, how could you not visit it if you’re only 2 hours drive away?
But this tour isn’t focused only on discovering the beautiful architecture and history of the Alhambra. You’ll also get to visit the cathedral, see the old city centre and admire views out across the old rooftops.
Click here to book your day trip from Malaga to Granada & the Alhambra!
Go on a day trip to Marbella & Mijas
Enjoy this tour along the Costa del Sol and soak up some of the glamour and cultural history on offer. You’ll get to hit up small fishing villages, explore the city centre of glitzy Marbella and experience the luxury of Puerto Banus.
You also get to explore Mijas, a traditional Andalusian village, characterised by its white houses and cute architecture.
We did this tour and while we enjoyed the flexibility it provided, you could realistically do it alone if you had a car. If, like me, you’re not a great driver, this tour is a great option to explore to unique towns close to Malaga.
Click here to book your day trip from Malaga to Marbella & Mijas!
Go on a day trip to Ronda
Places to visit near Malaga include Ronda and its famous bridge: the Puente Nuevo. With its iconic bridge and white houses perched on top of the cliffs, Ronda is one of the most iconic sights in Spain.
This day trip is a good option as you get to see not only Ronda and the bridge, but also the storied town of Setenil de las Bodegas and its cave homes.
Click here to book your day trip to Ronda from Malaga!
About Malaga
As the capital of Spain’s Costa del Sol, it’s easy to think of Malaga as simply a resort town. But this Andalusian city has sat at the crossroads of culture for centuries.
Once a part of the vast Umayyad Caliphate, and later Islamic rulers, it was re-conquered by Christian forces in 1487. The city today is a showcase of this tapestry of rulers, as seen through its food, streets and architecture.
Alongside this, Malaga is well known as a party destination among sun-loving Europeans who come here in the summer to relax on the beach by day and party by night.
How to get to Malaga
Getting to Malaga is pretty simple. With its own international airport, you can catch a flight here from a number of European destinations including Amsterdam, London and Berlin.
However if you’re doing a wider Andalusia itinerary, and you want to get to Malaga from a nearby Spanish city, it’s made easy thanks to good connections by road and rail.
From Cordoba
By train: From Cordoba Train Station to Malaga Maria Zambrano Train Station the journey is just over 1 hour and costs from around €22.
By car: The drive from Cordoba to Malaga takes just under 2 hours (170 kilometres), mainly along the A-45 motorway.
From Granada
By train: From Granada Train Station to Malaga, the journey by rail takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and costs from €23.
By car: It’s around a 1 hour 45 minute journey by car from Granada to Malaga (132 kilometres), taking the A-44 and then the A-7 motorway.
From Seville
By train: The train from Seville Santa Justa Train Station takes at least 2 hours to reach Malaga, costing €47. The slower train (2 hours 50 minutes) costs from 25 Euros.
By car: The quickest driving route between Granada and Cordoba (215 kilometres) travels along the A-92 and takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Malaga
There are lots of great places to stay in Malaga, here are some of the best for every budget.
Budget – Hotel Don Curro: The colourful and contemporary Hotel Don Curro is perfectly situated in the centre of Malaga. It’s a warm and welcoming place to stay, with spotlessly clean rooms, on-site restaurant & bar, and room service.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Don Curro in Malaga!
Mid-range – Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano: Just a stone’s throw from the Roman Theatre, this mid-range hotel provides a home away from home when you’re staying in Malaga, without breaking the bank.
Check out prices & availability at Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano in Malaga here!
Luxury – Molina Lario: If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. Their rooftop pool with cathedral views is simply stunning!
Don’t miss out, click here to book your stay at Molina Lario in Malaga!
Do you need travel insurance to visit Malaga?
After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.
You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with Heymondo.
Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).
Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.
Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!
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Final thoughts on the best things to do in Malaga, Spain
There you have it, the ultimate Malaga travel guide! Have you been to Malaga before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
Malaga might not be my favourite city in Spain, that award goes to Barcelona, and it’s not somewhere I’d live, that award goes to Tenerife, with its hikes,surf spots and winter sun, but there’s no denying the charm of Malaga.
It’s a beautiful city, with a rich history, delicious and cheap cuisine, a lively atmosphere, decent weather, beautiful architecture and even beaches. It’s the perfect destination for a European weekend getaway, and more.
I hope you found my Malaga travel guide useful, and that it answered any questions you might have about visiting Malaga. If you have any other questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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